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FundingIntroductionYour College Education Types of Aid Family and Student Savings UnderstandingEmploymentScholarshipsGrants and Managing Loans How It Works: Financial Aid at USC About USC USC at a Glance Sources and Amounts of Financial Aid Awarded Need-Based Financial Aid How to UnderstandingApply Your Financial Aid Summary Covering Your Expected Family Contribution Online Resources 2422104256781118181921262829 Table of Contents
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Although tuition at a top-tier university may be more than that of a state college or university, students at private universities typically receive more aid in the form of scholarships and grants—funds that do not need to be repaid upon graduation. A college degree is an investment in your education and, more importantly, your future. It is also a significant financial investment, which might seem overwhelming at first—yet despite the rising costs associated with higher education, obtaining your college degree may be more affordable than you think. These students are also more likely to complete their degree objectives in four years. At USC, most students successfully complete a double major or major-minor combination within four years.
Four years of study… A lifetime of benefits
Introduction
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2021 Employment Projections, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: earnings-education.htmbls.gov/emp/chart-unemployment-
•Statistics:In2021,
A college degree can play a key role in creating a stable life for not only yourself, but also your family. A college education also means you can reap greater rewards and be fully prepared to contribute to society throughout your Accordinglifetime.to the U.S. Bureau of Labor college graduates with a bachelor’s degree earned 65 percent more than those with just a high school diploma. Graduates with master’s or professional degrees earned more than two times more on average. In 2021, the unemployment rate for those with bachelor’s or advanced degrees was almost half of that for those with little or no college education. College graduates often enjoy greater job satisfaction and more stable career prospects, as well as have increased access to health insurance and benefits.
•
•
The rewards of a college education don’t end graduation.at Imagine what you accomplishcanin four years… and beyond.
Funding Your
Undergraduate financial aid includes grants, scholarships, loans and Federal Work-Study. The amounts and types of aid students receive can be based on financial need or provided without regard to need.
Many programs exist to education.forfamiliesstudentshelpandpayacollege College Education
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Need-based financial aid may come from the federal government, the state, or the institution. Some funds, such as grants, scholarships, and Federal Work-Study, do not need to be repaid. Loans, however, do need to be repaid after graduation, meaning that students and families who choose to take out loans should plan accordingly.
Family and Student MeritSavingsScholarships No repayment Employment and Federal Work-Study Earned wages; no repayment Need-Based Grants No repayment Federal Direct Student Loans Must repay with interest; fixed rate Federal Direct Parent Loan Must repay with interest; fixed rate Private Loans Must repay with interest; variable rates based on borrower and/or co-borrower credit scores 529 Savings Plan, bank and/or investment Scholarshipsaccounts based on talent or academic achievement, without regard to need, from the university or other sources Student receives wages as an employee for hours worked, up to a pre-determined total per Federalyearand state grants, USC University Grant Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans Direct Parent PLUS Loan Various banks and lending institutions Types of Aid 5
Several private institutions, including USC, now participate in the Private College 529 Plan, a prepaid tuition plan owned and operated by private colleges and universities. It is NOT a 529 savings plan sponsored by a state. The plan allows families to pay for future tuition at current rates. Assets can only be used to pay for undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees. Please visit plancollegewell.com/private-college-529or call 1-888-718-7878 for moreinformation.Goodnews if you have a 529 or Coverdell savings plan: Account holders are not required to pay federal income tax on the money they withdraw from these savings plans to pay for college expenses. (State income tax rules vary.) Visit collegesavings.org for more information about 529 Savings Plans. Your College Education
No matter how much federal, state and university financial aid you may qualify for, you will still need funds to pay for any expenses not covered by financial aid, and for any other personal expenses you may have, such as your phone bill.
Private College 529 Plan
Family and Student Savings
6
Funding
Interest-bearing savings accounts are a good way to plan for and cover any out-of-pocket expenses you incur while you are in school. Keep in mind that parent savings and investments have a smaller impact than student assets on calculations of the total family contribution.
• Plan to be enrolled at least half-time. Students who meet the criteria established by California Assembly Bill 540 (also known as the “California Dream Act”) may be eligible to receive a California Dream Grant. Visit csac.ca.gov for more information.
Federal student aid may be awarded in the form of grants, which do not have to be repaid after graduation. Federal grant programs include:
FederalGrantsGrants
State Grants
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• Meet academic requirements (a grade point average of at least 2.0 or 3.0, depending on the type of grant); and
• The Federal Pell Grant. This federal grant program provides funds for students with financial need. • The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG). This federal program provides additional grant funding to students with exceptional financial Pleaseneed.visit studentaid.gov for more information about these programs. USC University Grant Funded and awarded by USC, the University Grant is need-based, calculated after your available federal and state aid has been determined.
Most of these programs are for state residents attending an in-state college or university. They are typically used to pay tuition and fees but may also include a living stipend or allowance. A limited number of states have programs that enable residents to use a state grant at an out-of-state college. For more information, visit studentaid.gov and click on “Types of Financial Aid” under the Understand Aid tab. The state grant available for California residents is called the Cal Grant. To qualify, you must: • Demonstrate financial need, with income and assets below the stateestablished limits;
To find more information about scholarships: Your College Education
Scholarships are typically awarded by universities and other organizations for outstanding academic achievement, special talents and other personal characteristics, without regard to an applicant’s financial need. They can be awarded to cover tuition and fees only, or they can cover living and other expenses as well. (Scholarship programs will typically stipulate what their awards can and cannot be used for.) They do not need to be repaid after the student graduates.
Scholarships
• Check with your parents’ workplaces. Businesses often establish scholarships for children of employees. Never pay for a scholarship search—all the information you need is available for free!
Funding
• Visit online databases that offer free search services. (See page 29 for a list of databases.)
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• Visit the websites of your university’s offices of admission and financial aid or academic departments.
• Ask your college counselor and check the bulletin boards in the guidance office at your school.
Sources for Scholarships • University admission and financial aid offices or academic departments • Community and civic groups (Elks Club, Kiwanis, etc.) • Credit unions • Clubs and membership organizations • Fraternities and sororities • Labor unions • Cultural or ethnic organizations (Hispanic Scholarship Fund, National Urban League, National Italian American Foundation, etc.) • Professional associations (National Society of Professional Engineers, National Student Nurses Association, etc.) • Religious organizations (United Methodist Church, Knights of Columbus, etc.) • ROTC (Air Force, Army, Marine Corps and Navy) • Veterans’ associations (for children of current, retired or deceased military personnel) • U.S. corporations USC Merit Scholarships USC administers several prestigious scholarship programs, ranging in value from a few thousand dollars up to full tuition. Awarded by the USC Office of Undergraduate Admission, the USC Merit Scholarships listed on the right are based primarily on academic excellence, leadership, service and talent. First-year applicants must apply by November 1 (Early Action) or by December 1 (Regular Decision for some majors). Transfer applicants must apply by December 1 (for some majors) or by the final deadline of February 15 To learn more about which deadline applies to your major of interest, visit admission.usc.edu/ deadlines. InternationalPresidentialTrustee Freshman Academic TransferUSCLeadershipDeansAssociates
Other
On
the right are just a few of the scholarships offered by USC organizations outside the Office of Admission. They may require a separate application. Please visit admission.usc. edu/scholarships for details. Asian Pacific Alumni Association Black Alumni Association Dr. Joseph Medicine Crow Native NormanLatinoJewishLeadershipLeadershipAlumniAssociationToppingStudentAid Fund Town and Gown of USC USC Alumni Clubs USC Lambda LGBT Alumni Association9
Scholarships
EZRA YU | MAJOR: BIOCHEMISTRY 10
Trojan Voices “I have been able to enjoy an undergraduate experience not many people of my background get to have—a world-class education.”
Federal Work-Study
Numerous jobs are available on campus. Many will require you to have a Work Study award, but others are open to students without work-study. You might be a campus tour guide, an office assistant or a computer or science lab assistant. Students can browse or search current job postings through the Career Center at careers.usc.edu. Jobs can also be found through the school’s newspaper, job boards or by word-ofmouth. We encourage USC students to attend the job fair held at the beginning of the fall semester, as well.
Funding Your College Education
Many college students work part-time during the academic year and summers. Besides earning money to help pay for college expenses and personal needs, working part-time is a great way to gain experience and build your résumé.
Employment
Federal Work-Study funds are allocated to students with financial need, as determined by a review of the financial aid application. The award amount represents the total wages a student may earn from on- or off-campus employment under the Federal Work-Study program for that academic year.
Campus Jobs
June 30, 2023 7.54% Loan Type First Disbursed Interest Rate Interest Rates for Federal Direct Loans 11
Many students and families borrow money to assist in financing a college education. Loans are considered part of the family’s investment in a student’s education and become the student’s and/or family’s responsibility to manage and repay once the student graduates. Like credit cards, loans can be either a big help or a trap. They must be repaid with interest, and the lender or government may charge extra fees to obtain the loan. Be careful not to take on more debt than you will be able to repay. Your best strategy is to borrow no more than you absolutely need.
Your eligibility for loans can be based either on your financial need (need-based) or on your cost of attendance (non-need-based). When searching for loans, you should always start with those offered by the federal government, as their terms are usually the most favorable. - June 30, 2023 -
4.99% Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan July 1, 2022
Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans July 1, 2022
Understanding and Managing Loans
The Federal Direct Loan Program
• The penalties for late payment and defaulting (failing to make payments). Loan Alert!
• Your repayment options.
Funding Your College Education
• Subsidized loan programs: You may be eligible to borrow loans for which the federal government pays the interest while you are in school.
• Loan forgiveness and other repayment options: You may be able to take advantage of federal loan forgiveness programs or repayment plans to help manage your debt after graduation. (For more information, see pages 15-16.)
All Direct and PLUS loans are offered through the Direct Loan Program. Funded by the U.S. Treasury and serviced by the U.S. Department of Education, Direct Lending offers borrowers a stable funding source shielded from changes in the national economy. It also provides students and their families a single point of contact for the management of all Direct Loans. Please visit studentaid.gov or financialaid.usc.edu/loans for more details about the program and its
Eachbenefits.May, the federal government sets the interest rate for Direct Loans that will be disbursed during the upcoming academic year. Once set, the interest rate is fixed for the life of the loan. For more information about the current interest rates and fees for the Direct Loan Program, visit studentaid.gov
• No credit checks: Federal student loans for undergraduates are not based on the student’s credit history. (Additional loans available to the parents of undergraduate students do require a credit check.)
• Fixed interest rates.
• When you must begin repayment.
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When you borrow a loan, be sure to fully understand:
Advantages of Direct Loans:
• How much you will owe.
Need-Based Federal Loans
• Payments and interest accrual begin six months after you graduate or drop below half-time status.
• Based on financial need.
Loan LoanComparingLimitsPrivateOffers
• The federal government pays the interest on the loan while you are enrolled with at least half-time status.
• For loans disbursed between October 1, 2020, and September 30, 2023, the loan fee is 1.057 percent.
Direct Subsidized Loan
Sophomores: $4,500 Juniors or Seniors: $5,500 Maximum total student debt from Subsidized Loans: $23,000 Annual
• Standard repayment term is 10 years.
Students:
First-Year $3,500 Subsidized
• For first-time borrowers, Direct Subsidized Loans are available for a maximum of 150 percent of the length of your academic program. If you do not complete your undergraduate degree within that time frame, you may lose the subsidy.
Shop around. Be sure to apply for a loan with more than one lender to ensure you receive the best possible rate. Look at interest rates and loan terms. Look for the lowest rate with the lowest cap. Your Truth in Lending Act (TILA) Disclosure will include estimates of total interest charges. Compare the total cost of repayment with other loan offers.
• Amount you can borrow depends on your class level (see box on the right).
• First-time borrowers in the Direct Loan Program must sign a promissory note, which is a binding legal document.
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Direct Parent PLUS Loan for Undergraduate Students
• Your parents will be charged a loan origination fee of 4.228 percent (for loans disbursed between October 1, 2020, and October 1, 2023).
• Unlike the previous loans, this one must be borrowed by a (biological or adoptive) parent or stepparent.
• Loan payments may be deferred while the student is enrolled at least half-time.
• Your parents may borrow any amount, up to the cost of attendance, less other financial aid and/or scholarships received.
• Interest begins accruing immediately and is added to the principal at repayment.
• Interest accrues from the day the loan is disbursed.
All dependent borrowers: $2,000 For dependent undergraduates, the maximum total student debt from Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans is However,$31,000. the maximum is $57,500 if you are independent according to federal rules or standards, or if your parents are unable to borrow under the Direct PLUS Loan Program.
• Based on the borrower’s credit history—a credit check is required. (Bankruptcy, previous loan defaults or credit card delinquency can disqualify potential borrowers. Parents may apply with a co-signer or endorser.)
• Available to borrowers who do not qualify for the Subsidized Loan, or to borrowers who do qualify but need additional funds. You can receive both loans at the same time. • Interest rates and origination fees are the same as for Subsidized Loans.
• Unlike other federal loans, repayment begins 60 days after full disbursement.
Funding Your College Education Non-Need-Based Federal Loans 14
• Standard repayment term is 10 years.
Annual Unsubsidized Loan Limits Direct Unsubsidized Loan
• Payments begin six months after you graduate or drop below half-time enrollment.
• First-time borrowers in the Direct Loan Program must sign a promissory note, which is a binding legal document.
The U.S. Department of Education offers several programs to help manage your student loan debt once you graduate. Be sure to compare options and read all the disclosures. Some options may lower your monthly payments in the short term while increasing your costs over the long term. See the table on page 16 or visit studentaid.gov for more information. These options are available only for federal student loans.
AmeriCorps/Teach for America
This network of local, state and national service programs offers full-time employment with public agencies, community organizations and other groups. Jobs include tutoring and mentoring disadvantaged youth, managing after-school programs, restoring parks, building affordable housing and improving health services. Please visit americorps.gov for more information. Both programs may allow you to postpone payment and subsidize accruing interest.
Federal Loan Repayment and Forgiveness Programs
This program enables you to combine any or all of your eligible outstanding federal student loans into one new loan with one monthly payment. The new loan will have a fixed interest rate set at the weighted average of the interest rates of the underlying loans. It may have an extended repayment period of up to 30 years.
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Direct Consolidation Loan Program
Students who teach full-time after graduation in a qualified low-income elementary or secondary school for five years can have up to $5,000 of their outstanding federal student loans forgiven. The money will be paid to the loan service agent at the end of the student’s teaching service. Students who are considered highly qualified teachers of math, science or special education may have up to $17,500 of their outstanding federal student loans forgiven. Please visit studentaid.gov for more information. Public Service Loan Forgiveness Forgiveness may be an option for borrowers who are: • Employed by any nonprofit, taxexempt 501(c)(3) organization; (Continued on next page.)
Teacher Loan Forgiveness
StudentCons
At the start of your career, it can be difficult to afford the Youpayments.paymore over the life of the loan. May not benefit you if your income far exceeds 150 percent of poverty level and you have not borrowed large amounts. The interest you pay on a qualified student loan can reduce the amount of your income subject to federal taxes by up to $2,500, depending on your income. For more information on this and other tax benefits that may be available to you, refer to I.R.S. Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education.
Loan Type Description Pro Con Federal Loan Repayment Plans: Pros and
ConsolidationLoan(PAYE)You-EarnPay-As-GraduatedStandard
Loan Interest Deduction Funding Your College Education
State Loan Forgiveness Programs
• Employed full-time by the federal government, a state government, a local government, or a tribal government (including the military and public schools and colleges); or • Serving in a full-time AmeriCorps, Teach for America or Peace Corps Remainingposition. debt can be forgiven after 10 years of eligible employment and qualifying loan payments under the Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) plan. Visit studentaid.gov for more information.
In addition to the federal government, states also run programs to support students preparing for specific professions, including teaching and health-related careers. For more information, check with your state’s board of education or similar agency.
If you extend repayments over more years by consolidating, the total cost of your loans will increase.
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Fixed monthly payments with maximum term of 10 Paymentsyears. start low and gradually increase (but all payments must cover at least the interest due). Payments are adjusted each year, based on your monthly gross income. Allows you to combine any or all of your federal loans into a single new loan. You can choose any of the above repayment plans. Your total payments will be less than with any other Easieroption.toafford when you are right out of college. Makes loan payments more affordable for low-income borrowers. outstandingAmountsafter20 years may be forgiven. The convenience of having just one payment. Lower monthly payments (by extending the payment term for more years).
• What actions (such as a late payment) will trigger a fee?
Questions to Ask Lenders About Fees
UnlikeDeferments.federal loans, some private loans have a variable interest rate with no rate cap, which means your monthly payments could increase significantly in years to come.
• How is the fee calculated?
• Will I be required to pay service charges once I enter repayment on the loan? Carefully read all the information provided in the lender’s Truth in Lending Act (TILA) Loan Application and Solicitation Disclosures.
• Private student loans are not eligible for Federal Economic Hardship
The interest rate you are quoted by the lender will depend primarily on your credit score, which is based on your history of repaying money you owe (on a credit card, car loan, etc.), and on how much available credit you have.
Private Loans Prior to applying for private financing: Students should exhaust all Federal Title IV assistance available, including Federal Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and the Direct Parent PLUS Loan. The repayment terms of federal loan programs may be more favorable than the terms of private loan programs. Federal student loans are required by law to provide a range of flexible repayment options, including but not limited to Income-Based Repayment and Income-Contingent Repayment plans, as well as loan forgiveness benefits, which private student loans are not required to provide. Direct Loans are available to students regardless of income. Also note:
• Are fees “wrapped” into the loan? (If so, you will be paying interest on them, which means they will be more expensive than they seem.)
Always apply with a creditworthy co-borrower to reduce your costs. Although advertised interest rates may sound great, you may not qualify for those. Always beware of the fine print regarding discounts, penalties, fees and capitalization.
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• Private student loans may not be included in Direct Consolidation Loans. • Private student loans are not eligible for Federal Income-Based Repayment Plans.
• How much are the fees?
Founded in 1880, the University of Southern California has become one of the top private research universities in the country, comprising a liberal arts college and 19 professional schools. USC offers world-class undergraduate programs in virtually every field of study, with an interdisciplinary approach that combines theory and practice. Actively engaged in research and professional work, USC’s distinguished faculty share the excitement of intellectual discovery with the students they teach. All USC students gain the lifelong networking benefits of membership in the Trojan Family.
About USC How It Works: Financial Aid at USC
USC is located in Los Angeles, a dynamic world center populated by more than 100 nationalities and home to industry leaders in aerospace, entertainment, finance, technology, pharmaceuticals and telecommunication. In addition to great weather and nearby beaches, the city boasts a youthful, entrepreneurial spirit and an economy that ranks fourth in the U.S.
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1919 What We Look For USC looks for consistently strong academic performance throughout high school. We are particularly interested in the type of courses you take and the trend of your junior and senior year grades. Your academic record is also evaluated within the context of your high school. Most first-year students at USC are selected from the top 10 percent of their high school classes. 19 21,000 UNDERGRADUATES STUDENTS 28,500 GRADUATE STUDENTS 686 FIRST-YEAR (FALLSCHOLARSHIPMERITRECIPIENTS2021) 4,674 FULL-TIME FACULTY 2,019 PART-TIME FACULTY 9:1 STUDENT-TO-FACULTY RATIO 26 AVERAGE CLASS SIZE 6 PERFORMING ARTS VENUES 50 STATES 135+ COUNTRIES 32% MINORITYUNDER-REPRESENTEDSTUDENTS 1,000+ STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS 50+ PERCENTAGE OF STUDENTS WHO VOLUNTEER USC at a Glance Student Diversity 9 MEN’S 12 WOMEN’S Varsity Teams
USC’s Affordability Initiative
20affordability.usc.edu
How It Works: Financial Aid at USC
Newly admitted first-year students from U.S. families with an annual income of $80,000 or less (with typical assets) are able to attend USC tuition free. This initiative boosts opportunities for students whose families earn too much to qualify for adequate aid but too little to afford a top-tier college education.
At USC we work with families to meet a student’s full USC-determined financial need, subject to review of the student’s financial aid application and the family’s finances. Nearly two-thirds of USC undergraduate students receive financial aid, in the form of merit scholarships, needbased grants, Federal Work-Study and student loans.
How financialmuchaid does USC award?
Average aid provided to recipients AY 2021-22. Total: $ 773.4 Million Sources and amounts of financial aid awarded to all undergraduatesOtherScholarships $85.8 Million - 11.1% Federal Student Loans $ 71.8 Million - 9.3 % Federal Parent PLUS Loans $49.9 Million - 6.5% Private Loans $22.5 Million - 2.9% USC Grants and Scholarships $464.3 Million - 60.0 % Federal Grants $29.8 Million - 3.9% State Grants $26.2 Million - 3.4% Federal Work-Study $23.1 Million - 3.0% $44,297 AVERAGE NEED-BASED GRANT(S) $3,050 AVERAGE FEDERAL-WORK STUDY $6,543 AVERAGE STUDENT LOAN 21
How It Works: Financial Aid at USC
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Need-Based Financial Aid: Basic Requirements
All applicants to USC can apply if they:
• Are a U.S. citizen, eligible noncitizen (such as permanent resident, refugee or asylee), or undocumented person meeting certain criteria;
• Possess a valid Social Security number (if required); and • Are registered with the Selective Service System (if required). Although international students are not eligible to receive federal or USC need-based financial aid, they may be awarded merit scholarships and/or other departmental awards. Additionally, international students may apply for some private loans, typically with a qualified co-signer who is a U.S. citizen. USC administers one of the largest financial aid programs of any private university in the country. However, the allocation of financial aid funds is restricted by federal and state regulations and university policy. Cal Grants may be impacted by changes in the California state budget. Some programs such as the Federal Pell Grant and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant are restricted to those students who demonstrate exceptional financial need. Undocumented students, including those who qualify for the California Dream Grant, may receive university aid but will not be eligible to receive federal financial aid (Pell Grant and Direct Loans). To receive any aid for which they may be eligible, applicants must meet all published deadlines and submit any additional requested information. Applicants who miss any published deadline may be considered for reduced funds.
Your eligibility for federal and university need-based aid is based on two factors: the cost of attendance at the college of your choice and your expected family contribution, as calculated by each Thecollege.cost of attendance (COA) includes a college’s tuition and fees, on- or offcampus housing and a meal plan, as well as allowances for the estimated costs of books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses (clothing, toiletries, entertainment and so forth).
How Your Financial Aid Is Determined
•
Institutional= Methodology
• Your parents’ taxable and untaxed income; • Family assets (money in bank accounts, stock funds, real estate, etc.); Any special circumstances your family has (such as a job loss or higher-than-average out-of-pocket medical or dental expenses); The number of children in your family; How many children are full-time undergraduates in college; and How close your parents are to retirement age.
Cost of ExpectedAttendanceFamilyContribution Need-Based Aid Eligibility
Your expected family contribution (EFC) is determined by analyzing your family’s financial information, such as:
Federal Methodology
Based on family income and assets, not including equity in the family home.
•
Calculating the EFC
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USC is required to consider all your resources when determining your eligibility. Not all students who apply for need-based financial aid will be eligible to receive it. Students and families who do not qualify for need-based aid may wish to consider funding options that are not dependent on need, such as the Direct Unsubsidized Loan, Direct Parent PLUS Loan, alternative financing options such as tuition prepayment or installment plans, and private loan programs. (Please see page 17 for important information regarding private loans.)
All colleges use a need analysis (called the Federal Methodology) to determine the amount of federal student aid for which you qualify. Many private institutions, including USC, also use an Institutional Methodology to determine the amount of university aid for which you qualify, in addition to federal aid.
•
•
Based on family income and assets. At USC, the EFC calculated to determine your eligibility for university aid is based on an additional review of your family’s relative financial strength, including your family’s special circumstances (for example, an extended illness or job loss). Your EFC is then subtracted from the COA:
How to Apply
• Report 2021 parent and student income on your Profile.
How It Works: Financial Aid at USC 24
To apply for federal financial aid, you must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To be considered for university needbased financial aid, you must also submit the CSS Profile application. Apply as soon as possible to ensure timely notification of your financial aid eligibility and to be considered for all possible funding.
• USC’s CSS School Code is 4852.
• USC’s Federal School Code is 001328.
First-Year Students: Submit by February 10, 2023 (January 9, 2023, for Early Action applicants) Transfer Students: Due by March 2, 2023 Complete the 2023-2024 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at studentaid.gov The FAFSA determines your eligibility for the low-interest Direct Loan and the Direct Parent PLUS Loan, as well as for federal and state grants.
• The CSS Profile is available beginning October 1, 2022.
Step 1. FAFSA Step 2. CSS Profile
• Report 2021 parent and student income on your FAFSA.
First-Year Students: Submit by February 10, 2023 (January 9, 2023, for Early Action applicants) Transfer Students: Due by March 2, 2023 Complete the 2023-2024 CSS Profile application online at cssprofile. collegeboard.org. This application, along with your FAFSA information, will help determine your eligibility for university need-based financial aid.
• Apply as soon as possible after October 1, 2022, but no later than the appropriate deadline above.
• The FAFSA is available beginning October 1, 2022. • Apply as soon as possible after October 1, 2022, but no later than the appropriate deadline above.
• Be sure to include your Social Security number (if you have one).
California residents only:
First-years and Transfers: Due by March 2, 2023
First-Year and Transfer Applicants
.
Tips for completing the FAFSA
.
• Visit studentaid.gov to register for your Federal Student Aid I.D. (FSA ID). You will be asked to verify your identity and create a unique login and password, which will allow you to access all your federal financial aid information and sign your FAFSA.
• You will be asked for information from your family’s federal tax returns.
Not Currently Receiving a Cal Grant: Submit the FAFSA and have the school you currently attend or most recently attended submit your certified GPA to the Cal Grant Program. Your school may upload GPA information directly to the California Student Aid Commission’s system. If electronic submission is unavailable, request that your school certify a paper Cal Grant GPA Verification form, available at csac.ca.gov
AB540-Eligible Students: You must complete the online California Dream Act Application by the appropriate deadline above. Visit dream.csac. ca.gov to apply. Your GPA Verification Form must also be submitted to CSAC by this date. To assist us in our review of your application, you may be required to submit additional tax information or other documentation regarding your family circumstances. You will be notified electronically of any additional requirements. We encourage you to upload all documents online as soon as possible to prevent unnecessary delays in processing your application. If your family has special circumstances you would like us to consider, such as job loss, reduction in salary, or higher-than-average out-of-pocket medical or dental expenses, please submit a detailed letter and supporting documentation to the Financial Aid Office.
Transfer Students Currently Receiving a Cal Grant: If you received a Cal Grant at your previous college, you will need to transfer the grant to USC by posting a school change on WebGrants for Students at mygrantinfo.csac.ca.gov
Step 3. Cal Grant Step 4. AdditionalProvideMaterials
• The FAFSA is free. You should never pay to complete a FAFSA. 25
• You and your parents will also be asked for information regarding any assets. Unlike earnings (which are based on what your family received in 2021), the asset information you report must be current as of the day you sign the FAFSA.
How It Works: Financial Aid at USC versus Toyears.receive visit studentaid.gov You receive throughinstructionsseparatetohelpyouthisprocess.
Understanding Your Financial Aid Summary
When you receive your summary, note how much of the offer is composed of grants and scholarships
Alsoloans.note whether your scholarships are renewable for future
your loans,
and initiate a loan application and approval.
Your financial aid summary will inform you of the financial aid you are eligible to receive, which may include a combination of grants, scholarships, loans and Work-Study. We encourage you to carefully consider which types of aid make the most sense for your situation. Scholarships and Financial Aid When coordinating scholarships with financial aid, our office makes every attempt to preserve any university need-based grant you may have been awarded. In most cases, a new merit scholarship received after your initial financial aid package will reduce the amounts of your Federal Work-Study and federal loans. The total financial aid may also increase, allowing your Direct Loan or other student loan to assist with the family Federalcontribution.regulations require such awards to be counted as financial aid rather than as part of the family contribution. In some cases, the university need-based grant may be reduced.
will
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Federal Work-Study To take advantage of Federal WorkStudy funds, you must be employed at an approved Work-Study job (up to 20 hours per week). You will receive a paycheck for hours worked, according to the university’s pay schedule. Most Federal Work-Study jobs will be available on the University Park or Health Sciences Campus. You may also find opportunities off campus with local nonprofit organizations, such as the museums in Exposition Park. If you are awarded Federal Work-Study, you will be invited to a job fair during the fall semester Welcome Week to help find the right job for you. Appeals There is an appeal process if, after you’ve already submitted your aid application, your family experiences special circumstances that significantly affect your ability to pay for college, such as extended illness or job loss. In such a case, please notify the Financial Aid Office in writing, outlining the circumstances. Include copies of appropriate supporting documentation, if they were not already submitted.
When comparing financial aid offers, be sure to compare the “net price”—defined as the total cost of attendance minus all gift aid (grants and scholarships), before any other sources (such as loans and employment) are applied. Your remaining costs may be financed with loans, employment and other resources. All colleges and universities are required to post a net price calculator on their website. We encourage you to visit our Net Price Calculator at financialaid. usc.edu/npc to help you better understand the cost of a USC education and determine if you might qualify for need-based financial aid. Keep in mind that these calculators are generally based on figures from prior years and may be based on limited information. You should also compare the types and amounts of any loans made available to you. Consider if they are included as part of your need-based financial aid eligibility or if they will assist in covering the expected family contribution.
Note Regarding Net Price and Comparing Offers
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Covering Your Expected Family Contribution
In most cases, students who choose to borrow a private loan will need a creditworthy co-borrower.
Federal Direct Loans If you choose to borrow loans for all or part of the family contribution, start with the Direct Parent PLUS Loan. It offers a fixed interest rate, requires no collateral and does not impose an early repayment penalty. Visit financialaid.usc.edu for more Parentsinformation.canvisit studentaid.gov to initiate an application and verify that they meet the credit criteria.
There are several ways to manage the family contribution:
While USC does not recommend or endorse any specific lender, we offer two loan comparison tools on our website: the ELM Select tool and the Credible loan comparison marketplace.
You can compare loan fees, borrower benefits, and any special promotions among multiple lenders. More information is available by visiting our website at financialaid.usc.edu/loans and clicking on “Private Financing.”
Private Student Financing
• Utilize the USC Payment Plan. This program enables students to pay for each semester’s tuition, fees, university housing and other student expenses in five monthly installments during the semester. Visit the Student Financial Services website at sfs.usc.edu for more information.
How It Works: Financial Aid at USC
Even if you receive grants, scholarships and/or loans, you should expect to pay at least a portion of your tuition and expenses.
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• Use savings or current income to pay the USC Cashier’s Office directly. Visit sfs.usc.edu/payment/online for more information.
Prior to applying for private financing, students should exhaust all Federal Title IV assistance available, including Federal Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and the Parent PLUS Loan. The repayment terms of federal loan programs may be more favorable than the terms of private loan programs.
You may borrow an additional Direct Unsubsidized Loan to cover part of the family contribution if your parents are declined for the Parent PLUS Loan.
• Obtain loans for all or part of this amount.
Federal Student Aid Information Free Application for Federal Student Aid Federal(FAFSA)Direct Student and Parent Loans Manage your Direct Loans or sign Master Promissory Notes online studentaid.gov 529 Plans collegesavings.org (Click on “529 Basics”) savingforcollege.com College Board College and scholarship search bigfuture.collegeboard.org College Navigator A free consumer information tool from the National Center for Education Statistics nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator College Scorecard Comparison tool with data on college costs, graduation and student outcomes collegescorecard.ed.gov Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Financial aid offer comparison tool graduationcollege/consumerfinance.gov/paying-for-your-financial-path-toCSS Profile Application cssprofile.collegeboard.org Internal Revenue Service (I.R.S.) Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education irs.gov/publications/p970 Private College 529 Plan plancollegewell.com/private-college-529Scholarships cappex.com, fastweb.com, finaid.org , myredkite.com, scholarships.com State Grants ed.gov/sgt USC Student Financial Services Information regarding the USC Payment Plan and USC Prepayment Plan sfs.usc.edu Online Resources Investing in Your Future: Financial Aid and USC Downloadable PDF financialaid.usc.edu/investing Invertir en su futuro: Ayuda financiera y USC Downloadable PDF financialaid.usc.edu/spanishinvesting 29
The University of Southern California prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, ethnicity, religion, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, citizenship status, employment status, income status, shared ancestry and ethnic characteristics, partnership status, medical condition (including pregnancy and related medical conditions), disability, political belief or affiliation, domestic violence victim status, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance in any of the University’s educational programs and activities.
For questions about compliance with the notice of non-discrimination, the University has designated a Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity, and Title IX Coordinator, Catherine Spear, who can be reached at eeotix@usc.edu, (213) 740-5086, USC Credit Union Building, 3720 South Flower Street, 2nd Floor, Los Angeles, California 90089-0704. For disability-related questions, the University has also designated an ADA/Section 504 Coordinator, Christine Street, Associate Vice Provost for Student Affairs–Institutional Accessibility and ADA Compliance, who can be reached at streetc@usc.edu, (213) 821-4658, 3601 Trousdale Parkway, Bldg. #89, Los Angeles, California 90089.
University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA 90089-0914
Financial Aid Office
@USCFinancialAidfinancialaid.usc.edu@USCFinancialAidTV financialaid.usc.edu
